Scott Darling, Blackhawks Shutout Oilers
The Blackhawks blew out the Oilers in a late afternoon affair in Saskatoon on Sunday.
The Blackhawks got goals from Bryan Bickell in the first, Garret Ross and Teuvo Teravainen in the second, Andrew Shaw and Kris Versteeg in the third to run away from Edmonton. Teravainen’s goal was his first with Chicago.
Scott Darling went the distance and looked good for the Hawks once again, posting a 22-save shutout. He has yet to allow a goal in the Indian head sweater.
On the blue line, the Hawks skated Duncan Keith and Nick Leddy with Adam Clendening, Trevor van Riemsdyk, David Rundblad and Kyle Cumiskey. Four of the six were credited with an assist in the game; only van Riemsdyk and Cumiskey were held off the score sheet.
TvR looks very mature with the Puck
Cumiskey CAN skate
TT is and can Fin-nish!!!
Cden has great O-vision… I still don’t like his skating on D
Was live at the game…Keith lead the team and Bickell looked great….Cuminsky had a lot of ice time…Scott Darling played superb but was aided by terrible puck luck from the Oilers….not taking anything away from Scott but Edmonton really blew a lot of chances and didnt seem focused…..lots of fanned shots from close in…we had them pinned in their own end for long periods of time in the middle of the second and for almost all of the third. Our D played superb and Shaw and Bickell dominated play. Considering that our team lacked Toews, Hossa, Sharp, Kane, Seabrook, Hjaalmerson, Crawford and so on and the Oilers fielded their best bodes very badly for the Oilers. Was glad to do the happy dance five times, see Teravainen for real …he scored a beauty twenty feet from my seat..great day to be a Blackhawks fan. Good game from Clendening, Ross, and Labrie as well. Crowd was evenly split between Oilers and Blackhawk fans. Been away for most of the summer…suffered a heart attack but okee-dokee now…looking forward to a great season and a shot at the Cup for sure.
Holy moly Mining Man,
Thanks for the update and glad you are feeling better!
Mining Man, thanks for the onsite report and hope you stay positive and keep getting stronger. Hope the Hawks won’t test the ticker too often and you can enjoy several more cup runs in the years to come.
Welcome back Mining Man! Hope you are feeling better thanks for the 1st hand observation
I had a chance to stream some of the game on Blackhawks TV. It was nice b/c it was the Oilers color guys so they give an interesting out of town perspective on Hawk players. They were gushing over Clendening they really feel like the Hawks have a solid player w him, they felt like he was legit. They also said Keith and Seabs were the best d pair in the league along w Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester???(didnt realize JBouw still had a big fan club)
This was a nice game for a lot of key youngsters. Ross and TT w a goals, Clendening w a nice helper, and Darling w a solid effort in net. The young goalies need to be on watch thanks to Darling. Carruth and Simpson might be out of the organization soon with a guy like Darling deserving more ice time. I wouldn’t have been against the Hawks making a play for Markstrom if Darling didn’t look so darn good. I’m sure Markstrom will land somewhere soon. Q went on about the goaltending depth at length after the game. He didn’t feel like Darling is battling Anti but was confident if he needed him up he could do the job.
Nice to get a better effort after the klunker against the Rangers. Good to hear some of the yoots played well, albeit against what was mostly an Oilers farm team who played pretty poorly.
4 down and 2 to go before the lights turn on. Fun fun fun.
MM, thanks for the live recap and glad to hear you are feeling well!
Got to see most of the game on the Hawks website, they streamed it, and was impressed all around…Q mixed things up quite a bit, but the line of Shaw with Bicks and Versteeg were very dominant when they were together.
Good first games from TT and Nordstrom. TT definitely shows the confidence to play in the NHL. Such a gorgeous finish on the awesome pass from Clendening. If the Hawks were in a different situation or TT in another organization, he’d be starting this season in the NHL. But we have no need to rush him along and he will actually grow in Rockford with a couple of good wingers…Ted Dent said today that he wanted TT to play with top line mates this season in Rockford, so that’s good news all around.
Another great performance from Garret Ross. I have been raving about him since the Hawks drafted him. Smart, smart hockey player…does all the little things well…nice deflection for the goal!
I have also raved about Darling since we acquired him. I watched him beat the Hogs 3 times last year, and he looked unbeatable. With the Hawks the thing that I have noticed the most about him is that he’s moving side to side very easily and maintaining solid positioning, something that Raanta is still struggling to do. Darling was a very nice addition by Bowman…at 6’6″ he’s a blockade in net.
TVR did look good on defence, and has had a very nice camp so far, but the story was Clendening. The Hawks wanted assurances from him that he could play solid defence before they promoted him, well that was an excellent effort by AC all around tonight. He was very calm and cool in his own end moving the puck…with it, he has tremendous vision and great passing abilities, plus AC showed us a lot tonight just how strong this young man is…as I assured everyone at the end of last season, he’s ready along with Dahlbeck, and Johns is not far off…what a trio of young DMen SB has put together!
Overall it was a fun game to watch and the Hawk prospects are all doing the little things right, which is a tribute to Ted Dent in Rockford…we have a great system here in Chicago!
Was at the game as well, longtime Hawks in Northern Saskatchewan. I’d agree with the comments about Bickell and Shaw,(especially Bickell) but did not see much from Versteeg until the 3rd. Other notes would be:
–Rundblad and Van Riemsdyk look like #6/7 d man at best (as mentioned here several times) I’d guess VR is not expected to make the team this year, but I’d agree with previous comments questioning what SB saw in Rundblad to give up a 2nd rounder for him.
–I tried to watch Morin as much as I could and was disappointed, I expected him to be stronger down low in the offensive end especially since he played with Regin and they had success last year. Several ring around clearing passes came to him and the Hawks were not able to clear. I’d be interested to read what others saw from him.
–Was pleasantly surprised with Cumiskey. I was previously concerned with the thought of trading Leddy, but if Cumiskey can play that way each night I’d be ok with it, especially if Versteeg can be packaged with him. One question on this, what do you think the Hawks would be looking for in return (if there is an option other than draft pics), especially if the Hawks can get some pics anyway if they let Leddy walk after this year as a RFA.
–I’d agree with comments about Smith being a real solid player, strong on the boards and has a complete game. It says good things about the team depth if the Hawks have players like him on the bottom 6.
Mining Man…glad you’re up and about and a Hawks fan there in Saskatchewan!
Go Hawks!
Cannot wait for the puck to drop…
If you get a chance to watch the highlights of the game, just watch Ross (61) on his goal off of the Keith shot. It demonstrates everything that I have been saying about this young man. He came in on the forecheck hard, when it was apparent we were going to get possession, he used his stick against the body of the EDM DMan to stop his progress and stay in front of the goalie, and as he was turning around, he stuck out his stick and was able to deflect the puck into the net. Just another workmanlike shift for Ross that resulted in a goal…smart young hockey player.
Ben, I’m not sure how you missed Steeger, he was all over the ice with Bicks and Shaw…they dominated tonight. Morin had another solid game, TONS of puck possession in the EDM zone, they couldn’t clear the puck! As for TVR, I thought he looked good, a real smooth skater.
Both Cuminsky and Runblad looked like Pro hockey DMen in their 2 pre season games…the question is will both of them stand up to an NHL forecheck when things start up for real???
In fact, Q raved about Versteeg after the game tonight, Q said “he looks like the same player that I coached when he was here the first time”…he said that a fast, fully healthy Versteeg this season would be (and he emphasized the huge) a HUGE benefit to the Hawks team…
Wall, here’s something for your trade CC/keep Darling campaign, Darling is VERY adept at handling the puck and being out of his crease. He’s better at this part of his game than CC is…just a little tidbit for you…
One thing to mention about Runblad, is that he had a gorgeous “slap pass” to Shaw on his goal. He had the wherewithal to see Shaw and actually pass a hard shot to his stick, which Shawsy tipped in beautifully.
More on the roster situation in light of Salary Cap –
Remember back in the LA series when everyone was (rightly) complaining about the lack of 4 solid lines. And, remember Sr. Brad’s post from this past summer’s conversation with Coach Q re Morin (according to Sr. Brad, Coach Q admitted that Morin was not properly prepared during the season to earn significant PO minutes).
Whatever happens with the roster moves due to Cap Space I do NOT want a repeat of last year. The new Blackhawks players need to see appropriate ice time during the season so that 4 solid lines are “rolled” during the playoffs. No repeat of last year when Versteeg was unable to contribute, Bollig was Bollig, Handzus was (fill in the blank), and Q was hesitant to put Morin in the line-up.
Thanks for all the well wishes and comments guys…did not expect that …it’s going to be a great year for us Blackhawk faithful…I’m grateful to you all and can’t wait for the season to start …I think the parity has tightened up somewhat throughout the league and I’m sure there will be surprises..however…it’s the Blackhawks the other teams are going to have to get past to get ahead and with what we have now and in “reserve” that is not going to be very easy …we have the finest and best all around with even greater growth of skill and experience and winning …it’s a great time to be a Blackhawks fan!
Welcome back MM-
Sr. Brad you aren’t hinting at the merits of a CC trade? You can argue about where he stacks up compared to a Rask or Quick, at a 6 million price tag– but any team that is a cup contender needs a solid NHL goalie and that isn’t guaranteed with Raanta or an unproven Darling (albeit he is a monster)
noonan96… I have been hinting at the CC trade… never liked the contract… and always think the team in front of the Goalies is more important… In addition, the league knows that SB is in a bind w/ D guys/contracts… and are waiting to “stick it” to SB… SO- just trying to ADD some life to the discussion AND “create” another option for SB! But really- not gonna happen- and Just my way of being Critical of CC deal.
Moreover, CC had a decent year (my eye-test tells me)… but statistically CC/Hawks defense didn’t… SO was CC bad/worse than 2013… or The team D/and “puck luck” worse…
I say the Team was worse (less responsible)… left CC out to dry… SO to Fix- I put a better team in front of the Goalie (which usually costs Money-(which has been spent on CC))
Looks like Bowman and Q have all the data points they are going to get in terms of moving Leddy. Rosival, Cumiskey and Runblad are probably the 3rd pairing combinations. Clendening and Johns are both very near ready and are a phone call away in Rockford.
Again, Leddy DOES have a lot of talent. But trading him away given the cap crunch is the right move. Versteeg going away as part of the deal will make me happy. So then next year when Oduya walks via free agency the Hawks have 3 natural slots for Clendening, Johns, Dahlbeck to go along with the presence of Keith, Hjalmarsson, Seabrook.
Nordstrom is going to make this roster and I’m very happy about that. I really like what he can bring to the table in terms of two-way hockey. He’s learned from last year’s growing pains and is ready to step in as a key special teams contributor and 3rd / 4th line material in my estimation.
Rufus, If it is Leddy, someone else MUST go unless the Hawks carry 21….maybe 22 players. If not Versteeg it would have to be a roster player and not prospects. We will see. I still think Oduya makes the most sense
Anyone hear about a “rumor” (I stress rumor) of a rift between Kane & Sharp? Involving Kane’s gal pal…..?
I wasn’t impressed with 23 last year… in 1 pre-season game, 23 looked much faster (vs. AHL D)… if he is “up to speed” would be HUGE for Hawks, hard to let go… if he is skating like last year- please Move him… but only the Hawks coaching/training have the insight/training #’s to how 23 is REALLY coming along…
Message to Rosey (32)… Come up with Khabby LTIR injury… Hawks pay him couple M$$$ to show up and sit with fans in box seats and drink/entertain… helps Solve a lot of problems…
The most forwards they can carry is 14, although they may go with 13 (22 man roster or 8 d-men) – so let’s count em up.
There are 12 no doubters: 10, 19, 81, 20,191, 88, 29, 65, 23, 11, 16, 28
Then there is Q’s insistence on a goon, probably Mashinter. So that’s 13 forwards.
If there is to be a 14th forward, it will probably be Regin. TT will almost certainly start in Rockford. That leaves Nordstrom the odd man out.
RTF, “Leddy DOES have a lot of talent. But trading him away given the cap crunch is the right move. Versteeg going away as part of the deal will make me happy.” — I completely agree. I didn’t see anything HUGE about Versteeg’s contribution (- and, remember, Cups and victories aside, Q is the guy who stuck with Handzus thru all of the shit to THE END), and obviously the coach and GM are not going to comment-down any potential trade value.
Mike, “I still think Oduya makes the most sense” — perhaps, but Leddy possibly/probably brings a greater return (even with Versteeg part of the deal?).
Joey Z. I have heard rumors that Sharp wasnt the most liked guy in the locker room but this one is new.
I still believe oduya is the guy to go from a return value because you get nothing for him next year and there are plenty of teams like the Islanders that could use a vet, cup winning dman to help mature their young guys. If we can throw in versteeg even better and that gives you the cap space you need. I would think the hawks are looking for draft picks in return.
Noonan, no, I am already on record that CC came of age in the LA series where he showed so much mental toughness and became a team leader. I, like Wall, do NOT agree with his contract amount and years, but I do know that Corey has become a very good goalie, and he can help us to another Cup.
Rufus, I like Nordstrom too, but unless Versteeg is moved, I don’t see him getting a lot of ice time in Chicago this season. I think with the extra weight he put on this summer, he could become quite a good player for us though!
BNS, I do think the Hawks will give a number of players from Rockford stints during the season to see where their games are at, and to get a feel of the NHL. This was my biggest complaint about Bollig and Q…Q defiantly played Bollig EVERY game even when he didn’t warrant it to the detriment of the younger players getting valuable ice time. Sadly we lost out on another Cup when, IMO, we should have won it, but I think that Q learned a valuable lesson about riding his veterans only, as Zus, Rozy and Bollig left Q out to dry with their non existent play. Bowman, as I suggested that he would, has also retooled the roster so that Q won’t be able to do what he did ever again…I think SB brought in Bass, LaBrie and Mashinter to pay homage to Q’s belief about needing a tough guy, but Bowman knew full well none of these 3 would be good enough to crack our roster…
ER, who is player #191? I am guessing you were thinking about Richards age…
As for the “goon”, it won’t happen…the Hawks will keep one or two in Rockford and bring one up if they “need” one, but they won’t. They cannot justify a goon when Regin, Nordstrom, TT, Ross and Danault can all contribute now, with strong 2 way hockey and some flexibility. Unless one of your 12 (which I agree completely with) is traded, Regin is your 13th forward and Nordstrom has to be #14…plus TT could be called up to a key role in any moment as dictated by his talent…
Chicago has now been listed as a “goon-free” zone…
I’m not much into gossip and personal life crap…but I have heard persistent rumblings at the UC and via the network of ticket holders that Patrick Sharp isn’t the most liked guy in the locker room. But the way I figure, you’re talking 20 plus guys who spend a lot of time together and live in a pressure cooker. It’s inevitable that not everybody is going to like everybody.
BTW, this morning at practise the two PP units were as follows…
Unit #1
Keith/Sharp
Shaw/Toews/Kane
Unit #2
Seabrook/Versteeg
Saad/Richards/Bickell
I have called for Bicks on the PP for 2 years now, so I see this as a good move…Versteeg at the point is a little risky considering Steeger’s carelessness with the puck, but he does have elite passing skills/vision, so there’s a high reward as well…but with Leddy off both units, this might foreshadow a deal moving Leddy???
Richards may still be the single best PP Centre in the league…
Brad- wouldn’t read that much into the PP lines… no Hossa
And I wished I shared your same confidence in Q NOT playing Mashitter/Goons…
I think Q is too OLD school — he will play a Goon at least 50% of the season.
Wall, I would still like the Hawks to get Bickell PP time…as for Goons, I hope I’m right on this one…you just can’t justify a roster space on someone worse than Bollig, or we will be right back where we were last year come playoff time…the kids need to play!